Topical Questions

2026-04-14

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Matt Bishop Lab
Forest of Dean
Context
The Labour Government is investing heavily in community diagnostic centres to improve healthcare access.
I am concerned about the investment being made in 36 new and better community diagnostic centres in shopping centres and high streets across England. This represents a significant expansion in diagnostics, shorter waits for tests, checks, and scans, and an NHS on the road to recovery.
We are investing in 36 new and better community diagnostic centres in shopping centres and high streets across England. This is the biggest expansion in diagnostics in a generation, shorter waits for tests, checks and scans, and an NHS on the road to recovery.
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Q2 Partial Answer
Matt Bishop Lab
Forest of Dean
Context
A constituent named Emma has been fighting for corrective treatment due to injuries sustained during childbirth, but has been denied care on the NHS.
A constituent of mine, Emma, has been left with significant injuries following poor maternity care during childbirth. She has fought for over 20 years for corrective treatment which was deemed cosmetic despite impacting her mental health and relationships. What steps can be taken to ensure women in such circumstances have access to necessary treatment?
The injuries sustained by women during childbirth are often ignored and unaddressed. We need to learn from cases such as Emma's to ensure constituents receive the care they deserve.
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Specific actions or policies not addressed
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Q3 Direct Answer
Stuart Andrew Con
Daventry
Context
The British Medical Association has recently ended industrial action but online comments suggest future disruptions are likely, impacting patient treatments and NHS staff.
Reports indicate individuals boasting of 10 days off following the end of recent BMA industrial action. Does this behaviour represent a slap in the face to patients whose treatments have been cancelled and NHS staff who had to pick up the pieces?
Yes, the BMA's actions reflect poorly on them, inflicting disruption and a £300 million bill on the country in difficult times. The strike action was unnecessary and needs to be addressed.
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Q4 Partial Answer
Stuart Andrew Con
Daventry
This is a rare occasion, as I agree with the Secretary of State. The increasingly militant stance adopted by the BMA is plainly out of step with some resident doctors, who continue to report for duty. The Government’s handling of this dispute has been marked by inconsistency. First, they attempted to buy their way out of trouble, then they withdrew the training places that this House voted for. Instead of persisting with a failed strategy, is it not time for the Government to heed our calls and bring forward legislation to ban doctors from striking?
The Government’s approach has been consistent. We recognise that resident doctors suffered years of pay erosion and worsening conditions under the Conservatives. We came in and sought to address that substantially with a 28.9% pay rise and an offer on the table that would have gone further on pay, gone further on training places and cancelled exam fees, which is the best deal that anyone will have got in the entire public sector. Resident doctors have rejected that approach, but the shadow Secretary of State reminds the BMA that however much it might disagree with this Labour Government, the alternatives are far worse. It is far better to work with us than against us, but we will not cave.
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Q5 Partial Answer
Joe Powell Lab
Kensington and Bayswater
The much-loved Pembridge hospice in north Kensington has been closed to in-patients for several years, meaning that an area with acute health inequality has very limited palliative care options, despite a promise from the new West London integrated care board to provide enhanced care beds in all its boroughs. Will the Minister join me in urging the ICB to set up a meaningful engagement process with residents to secure these urgent care beds as soon as possible, potentially at Pembridge, and to bring proper palliative and end-of-life options back to our community?
I thank my hon. Friend for his question; he is a strong voice for palliative care and for Pembridge hospice in his constituency. Palliative care is vital in our communities, and I completely agree that ICBs, like West London, should engage with their local communities to ensure that they can meet their palliative care needs.
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Q6 Partial Answer
Helen Morgan Lib Dem
North Shropshire
Wherever I go in North Shropshire, constituents tell me that access to a GP only gets worse when new homes are built, and they are right. Across the country, there are billions of pounds in unspent community infrastructure levies for new surgeries, and the average number of families that a GP serves has gone up by 917 since 2015. Will the Minister support Liberal Democrat calls for CIL to be used to support the early running costs of new GP practices, or to expand existing ones, as soon as people move into new housing, so that GP access really does come first when housing developments happen?
There is absolutely an issue with developers not delivering what they say they are going to deliver either through section 106 or through CIL. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to address this issue. I would be more than happy to hear more about the hon. Lady’s specific proposal. We want to work pragmatically and constructively to resolve this issue.
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Q7 Partial Answer
Kirith Entwistle Lab
Bolton North East
Short waiting lists for cataract surgery are a success story, thanks in part to the partnership between the NHS and providers such as SpaMedica, headquartered in my constituency. However, ICB indicative activity plans could see waiting lists increase from weeks to over four months. How will cataract patients be protected while we maintain those all-important short waiting lists?
Ophthalmology waiting lists have fallen since we have taken office. Average waiting times have reduced, and 18-week performance has improved. ICBs have the flexibility to commission services across specialties within a fixed financial envelope, and may use contract levers to manage that activity. That is good management of public money to achieve the outcomes we want to see.
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Q8 Partial Answer
Clive Jones Lib Dem
Wokingham
Context
The Secretary of State announced £10 million for the Royal Berkshire Hospital to fund a new site, but £400 million is needed to maintain the existing hospital until rebuilding starts in 2039.
Last week, the Secretary of State announced £10 million for the Royal Berkshire hospital to fund a new site. After years of Conservative neglect, £400 million is needed to maintain the existing Royal Berks until rebuilding starts in 2039. What is the Minister doing to support the hospital and its excellent staff to help fix its many maintenance issues?
I am delighted that, as well as announcing the £10 million needed to purchase the new site for the Royal Berkshire, we are investing in the existing estate; that is what local residents deserve. I was delighted to make that announcement last week with our brilliant Labour Reading council team.
Assessment & feedback
Specific actions and funding details for addressing maintenance issues at the Royal Berkshire Hospital were not provided.
Deflecting Onto Labour'S Work With Councils
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Q9 Partial Answer
Gurinder Josan Lab
Smethwick
Context
Residents in the Smethwick constituency are benefiting from the investment and changes to the NHS introduced by this Labour Government, including shorter waiting times and ambulance waiting times.
Can I first take this opportunity to wish a very happy Vaisakhi to the Sikhs around the world who are celebrating it? Residents in my Smethwick constituency are benefiting from the investment in and changes to the NHS introduced by this Labour Government; the benefits include shorter waiting times and shorter ambulance waiting times. Can the Secretary of State tell us what progress has been made in implementing the Government's 10-year plan for the NHS?
I wish a happy Vaisakhi to all who are celebrating today. Let me reassure my hon. Friend that he is absolutely right. As I reported only this morning on BBC West Midlands, we are bringing down waiting lists in his area and across the west midlands, and we will make further and faster progress; that is what a Labour Government do.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details or statistics about the implementation of the 10-year plan were not provided.
Relying On General Statements About Progress W [1D [K Without Specifics
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Q10 Partial Answer
Helen Maguire Lib Dem
Epsom and Ewell
In Epsom and Ewell, many residents face a daily battle to get a GP appointment. There are numerous potential housing developments on the horizon, and the rising population is set to put even more pressure on already stretched GP services. The Liberal Democrats would require developers to build new GP surgeries, ready for when residents move in. Can the Government explain what they are doing to support GPs in my constituency, so that they can manage the surge in patient demand from day one of a development being completed, rather than leaving communities to pay the price later?
As I said to the hon. Member for North Shropshire (Helen Morgan), we are looking at the way that section 106 and CIL are used. I certainly look forward to working with councils across the country, but as my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has said, when people go to the ballot box on 7 May, they should think very carefully about how much more effective it is when councils work in partnership with this Labour Government.
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Q11 Partial Answer
Patrick Hurley Lab
Southport
What more can the Government do to ensure that social enterprises delivering NHS services get the same support as internal NHS trusts, and play a bigger role in NHS reform?
These organisations play an important role. We are making sure that they are treated fairly, and are supported to play a bigger role. They will be supported by the forthcoming plan for voluntary, community and social enterprise spending targets to 2028, and a combined action plan for small and medium-sized enterprises and VCSEs. That will include measures to ensure clearer visibility of opportunities, earlier market engagement, proportional financial and evaluation requirements, and a strong performance on prompt payment across the health system.
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Q12 Partial Answer
Adrian Ramsay Green
Waveney Valley
Context
The British Dental Association has highlighted that only 39% of adults can access NHS treatment within two years due to budget constraints.
The British Dental Association has highlighted that current budgets allow just 39% of adults to access NHS treatment within a two-year period. Is that really the height of the Government's ambition, and if not, what access percentage are the Government aiming for?
We are working closely with the BDA on long-term contract reform. It has to be about getting the balance right, so that dentists are incentivised to do NHS dentistry and we maximise access. A public consultation on fundamental contract reform is coming before the summer, and I am sure the hon. Member will want to take part in it.
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific target percentage for NHS dental access
Working Closely With Bda Public Consultatio [11D [K Consultation
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Q13 Partial Answer
Brian Leishman Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Context
In Scotland, about a third of people eligible for bowel cancer screening do not complete the faecal immunochemical test (FIT), rising to up to half in deprived areas.
Increasing the uptake of bowel cancer screening improves early diagnosis and saves lives. About a third of those eligible in Scotland are not completing FIT tests, with rates even lower in the most deprived areas. What collaborative work is being done to improve participation and reduce health inequalities?
In Scotland there is no NHS app, but in England, the app facilitates bowel cancer screening and increases uptake. The SNP has provided some dermatology services in Lanarkshire over 20 years.
Assessment & feedback
Did not address collaborative work to improve participation rates
No Nhs App In Scotland Snp'S 20-Year Record [6D [K Record
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Q14 Partial Answer
Context
Residents of Maldon have been promised a new health hub to replace the old St Peter's hospital, which is over 150 years old. The ICB submitted a case for the second round of neighbourhood health centres.
My constituents in Maldon have waited more than 3 30 years for a new health hub replacing St Peter's hospital. Despite an unsuccessful first attempt by the ICB, may I press the Government to include Maldon in the second round? Will the Secretary of State meet me and my right hon. Friend to discuss this matter?
The Minister for Secondary Care has met the right hon. Gentleman, but the ICB was disappointed. There are further ways to do this, and it should keep trying.
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm Maldon's inclusion in the next round or a meeting with the Secretary of State
Met Right Hon. Gentleman Further Ways To Do [2D [K Do This
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Q15 Direct Answer
Lauren Edwards Lab
Rochester and Strood
Context
The James Williams healthy living centre recently opened in Chatham, allowing constituents to receive care closer to home rather than travelling to the other end of Medway.
The James Williams healthy living centre has opened in my constituency. More residents can now access care locally instead of traveling to the hospital. Will the Secretary of State join me for its official opening in the summer?
I would be delighted to. Let us arrange a date.
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Q16 Partial Answer
Katie Lam Con
Weald of Kent
Context
The question concerns the January changes by the Government to prioritise British graduates for NHS training places, which has reduced competition but still causes uncertainty and demotivation among graduates.
The changes that the Government made in January to prioritise British graduates for NHS training places were very welcome indeed, but the current system of random allocation demoralises and disincentivises our brightest graduates, and it causes profound uncertainty for people at the start of their career. Will the Secretary of State consider changing the process, so that those places are instead allocated on merit?
The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 is making a difference. It has reduced competition from four to one to less than two to one. We are absolutely up for looking at that issue as part of the workforce plan.
Assessment & feedback
The specific request to change the process to merit-based allocation was not directly addressed with a commitment or timeline.
We Are Absolutely Up For Looking At That Issue [5D [K Issue As Part Of The Workforce Plan.
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Q17 Partial Answer
Siobhain McDonagh Lab
Mitcham and Morden
Context
Phil Woolas, a former Member of Parliament with glioblastoma, passed away recently. The question highlights the lack of improvement in treatment for this condition over 40 years.
At 2 pm today, many Members will be attending the funeral of Phil Woolas who died from glioblastoma brain tumour on 14 March. I am sure everyone would wish to send condolences but does the Secretary of State agree that condolences are not enough given no improvement in treatment for this condition in 40 years?
I join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to Phil Woolas and send condolences to his family. The National Institute for Health and Care Research brain tumour research consortium, backed by over £ £25 million-worth of investment, aims to unlock new treatments and transform outcomes. Earlier this year, we announced £3 million with Cancer Research UK for the brain tumour centre of excellence including the glioma centre. We are close to major breakthroughs but hold NIHR and NHS England's feet to the fire on improving treatment.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner sought specific commitments or actions addressing the lack of progress in treating glioblastomas, while the answerer provided general statements about research efforts without concrete timelines or mechanisms for ensuring improvements.
Response accuracy
Q18 Partial Answer
Alison Bennett Lib Dem
Mid Sussex
Context
Cerys, a patient at Park House in Greater Manchester, died while an in-patient. The coroner described the unit as “a shambles”. There is concern over national patterns of mental health trusts failing to learn and act when tragedies occur.
Cerys was 22 when she took her life while an in-patient at Park House in Greater Manchester, with the coroner describing the unit as a 'shambles'. Reports on preventing future deaths are issued but no mechanism ensures recommendations are acted upon. How can accountability be strengthened?
Anyone receiving mental health treatment deserves dignity and high-quality care. Where care falls short, this Government's approach is that sunlight is the best disinfectant. We are committed to learning and taking action to protect patients and improve in-patient mental health care up and down the country. NHS England and the Care Quality Commission are acting to keep patients safe.
Assessment & feedback
The questioner sought specific mechanisms or actions for ensuring accountability after patient tragedies, while the answer provided general statements about improving care without concrete measures for accountability.
Response accuracy
Q19 Partial Answer
Lloyd Hatton Lab
South Dorset
Context
Patients in Chickerell struggle to access GP services and travel long distances. A new surgery was confirmed years ago, but significant delays mean it has not been delivered.
Patients in Chickerell often struggle to access GP services in their area, and instead must travel long distances. Some years ago, it was confirmed that a new surgery should be built in Chickerell. However, significant delays mean that we are still waiting for that surgery. Will the Minister work with me and the NHS locally to finally deliver a new GP surgery in Chickerell?
I know that the local town and county council have been working in partnership with Dorset ICB over many years to support GP partnerships in the Chickerell area in developing a business case for NHS capital or revenue funding. I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend, and to continue to make plans for applying pressure to ensure that this is delivered.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific action or timeline to deliver the new GP surgery in Chickerell.
Response accuracy
Q20 Partial Answer
Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem
North East Fife
Context
Twenty-two people a day are diagnosed with lobular breast cancer. The Moon Shot Project aims to provide hope for these patients by securing research funding.
Twenty-two people a day are diagnosed with lobular breast cancer, including my colleague Councillor Fiona Corps in North East Fife, but many more are living with it, because researchers and clinicians know so little about it. In advance of vigils next week, can we ensure funding for the Moon Shot Project, to give these women hope?
We strongly support the aims of the Moon Shot Project; the challenge has been getting the proposal to a suitable standard for funding. The moment we overcome that obstacle, the money will be there.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to providing specific funding or timeline for the Moon Shot Project.
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Q21 Partial Answer
Ian Lavery Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Context
The infected blood inquiry recommended action to protect the safety of haemophilia care. There is concern that recommendation 9 is not being implemented.
The infected blood inquiry recommended action to protect the safety of haemophilia care, but there is mounting concern among clinicians and patients alike that recommendation 9 is not being implemented. Will the Minister meet me and members of the all-party parliamentary group on haemophilia and contaminated blood to discuss these real concerns?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for making these points about haemophilia care. We are committed to implementing all recommendations of the review, and good progress has been made, including on non-plasma-derived treatments and the revision of the national service provision. NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care will continue to provide updates on the Government response. I am happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to a specific meeting or timeline for discussion with members of the all-party parliamentary group.
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Q22 Partial Answer
Bob Blackman Con
Harrow East
Context
NHS England has reduced the faecal immunochemical test threshold. The questioner asks for further investment in endoscopy and related treatments to increase survival rates.
It is welcome news that NHS England has reduced the faecal immunochemical test threshold from 120 micrograms to 80 micrograms, bringing England into line with Scotland and Wales. We now need investment in endoscopy and other related treatments to ensure that people suffering from bowel cancer are spotted early and given the ultimate chance of survival. Could Ministers look at further investment here to increase survival rates?
Yes; as part of our national cancer plan, we absolutely want to see survival rates improve in the way the hon. Gentleman describes. I welcome the new Minister working on this—the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Washington and Gateshead South (Mrs Hodgson)—to her place, and thank my hon. Friend the Member for West Lancashire (Ashley Dalton) for all her leadership in this area, too.
Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to specific investment or timeline for endoscopy and related treatments.
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Q23 Partial Answer
Daniel Francis Lab
Bexleyheath and Crayford
My constituent Harley Harris is 15. He has spondylocarpotarsal synostosis syndrome, which has caused his spine to curve 120° and damaged his lungs, leaving him with significantly reduced lung function and in continual pain. Harley needs lifesaving surgery, but his family have been unable to get a referral to have it performed in the UK. Will the Minister commit to urgently reviewing Harley’s case to ascertain what support can be provided to him and his family?
I am very sorry to hear about Harley’s condition, and my thoughts are with him and his family. I am sure my hon. Friend understands that neither the Department nor NHS England can comment on the clinical appropriateness of suggested treatments for an individual. I understand that Harley and his family have already been in touch with the Department, and would suggest that my hon. Friend continues to raise this case with NHS England. We are committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases, including Harley’s condition of SCTS.
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Q24 Partial Answer
Gareth Davies Con
Grantham and Bourne
In 2022, Grantham saw the opening of one of the country’s first community diagnostic centres; since then, more than 100,000 tests have been completed for the local population. Now, I want the same for the town of Bourne. Will the Minister meet me, so that I can make the case for a new community diagnostic centre in Bourne?
I was happy to announce the further expansion of CDCs this morning. We will continue to work to roll out these centres across the country. I am happy to discuss with the hon. Gentleman the proposals from his local ICB, if he wants to provide a bit more detail on that, as these centres are critical to getting down our waiting lists.
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Q25 Partial Answer
Ben Coleman Lab
Chelsea and Fulham
Context
The success of sickle cell bypass units in reducing pressure on emergency departments and improving care for sickle cell patients is threatened. The MP seeks to secure ongoing central funding to maintain these vital services.
Will the Secretary of State join me in welcoming the success of sickle cell bypass units in north-west London and across the country in reducing pressure on emergency departments, while improving care for sickle cell patients? Does my right hon. Friend recognise that the future of these units is threatened, and will he meet me to discuss the need for ongoing central funding?
I congratulate the units on their work. I appreciate concerns about sickle cell services, which we must maintain. It is so important that we work together—that Labour's investment and modernisation works alongside NHS leaders and those promoting public health—and work with great Labour councils.
Assessment & feedback
Meeting to discuss ongoing central funding for sickle cell bypass units
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Q26 Partial Answer
Shockat Adam Ind
Leicester South
Context
A recent event highlighted the need for more financial support from grassroots mental health organizations that help people of all ages and backgrounds who have fallen through the cracks.
The MP attended the Beat the Odds event in his constituency, where 36 grassroots mental health organisations expressed a clear need for more financial support. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure these organisations receive funding to deliver frontline services that save lives?
I commend the community groups in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. There are record amounts of funding going into mental health provision under this Government, and we are committed to ensuring that funding is disseminated into the community.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for grassroots organisations receiving funding
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